The Green Chair Project

Jackie Craig, co-founder of Green Chair, left, poses with Antoinette Hoskins, a mother of three and a beneficiary of Green Chair, who has transitioned from homelessness into housing.

Rebuilding lives; tapping design donors

by Settle Monroe

photographs by Travis Long

In the fall of 2014, life was going well for Antoinette Hoskins, a working mother of three. She was living in a lovely townhome with her children, had health insurance, an established 401(k), and a shiny new car. Hoskins was even about to purchase her first home.

She never could have imagined that six short months later, she would find herself suddenly unemployed, sleeping on the floor of a friend’s apartment, separated from her children, and staring at a rapidly depleting savings account. Her two teenage daughters and 7-year-old son went to live with out-of-town family for the summer while she began the hard work of putting her life back together. With the children’s well-being her priority, Hoskins knew she needed to secure a job and find a place to live before school began in August. For the first time in her life, she was forced to reach out for help.

With sheer determination – and the help of Triangle Family Services – Hoskins was able to land a job and save enough money to rent a two-bedroom apartment for herself and her children before the start of school. But starting over is expensive. Her children did not have beds to sleep on, and there was not a cup or a pot in the kitchen. With no extra money to buy towels, lamps, or a table for family meals, Hoskins accepted that rebuilding her life would be a long, uphill battle.

At the time, Hoskins had no idea that just miles down the road on Raleigh’s Capital Boulevard was an expansive warehouse, full of high-quality donated furniture and home furnishings, abuzz with eager volunteers and a dedicated staff ready to help people just like her. When Hoskins’ caseworker eventually pointed her in the direction of The Green Chair Project, Hoskins knew she had found a home.

Under the leadership of executive director and co-founder Jackie Craig, Green Chair helps people like Hoskins every day. With donated home furnishings, the agency helps people transition out of crisis and renew their lives. Many participants come to Green Chair from violent domestic situations, homelessness, or devastation caused by a natural disaster. Since its beginning in 2010, Green Chair has partnered with more than 55 local agencies and churches to help more than 1,000 families furnish their homes and provide the extra boost needed to rebuild their lives. “We help with furniture, yes,” says Craig. “But we also come alongside our participants to cheer for them and encourage them. We help them to get over the incredibly large hump of rebuilding a life.” The community at large helps, too, donating their gently used furnishings, as well as their talents. A recent Green Chair fundraiser tapped the generosity and expertise of a fleet of local interior designers to raise funds with an auction of refurbished chairs.

The designers say they believe in Craig’s mission. “Working in an industry fueled by ‘wants,’ I find it especially important to find ways to give back to those who may be struggling to fulfill basic needs,” says designer Lindsay Speace.

Hoskins says her needs were met with compassion.“Walking into the Green Chair was such a relief for me. I went there completely overwhelmed. The new job, the kids’ new school, an empty house – it was a lot of change. I was starting from scratch. But I went to the Green Chair, and I felt totally at peace.”

Using “Green Points,” a currency that places a nominal monetary value on everything in the warehouse, she came away with everything from dish towels and sheets to a living room couch and a full dining room set. By giving choice and autonomy to its particpants, Craig says, the shopping experience promotes independence and pride. Most participants are able to fully furnish their homes for the equivalent of about $200.

Today, Hoskins is working full-time and taking real estate classes on the side. She is re-establishing her savings and hopes to soon become a full-time real estate agent. And she proudly opens her home to her children’s many friends and family.

“I am eternally grateful to the Green Chair. They met me at the point when I was about to throw up my hands and give up. But they helped me to keep going. They did not just give me furniture. They truly gave me my life back.”

Antoinette Hoskins, a mother of three, is a beneficiary of Green Chair who has transitioned from homelessness into housing.

The Green Chair Project’s Chair-ity auction

From its earliest days, The Green Chair Project has honored those it serves by providing clean, tasteful, well-made furnishings. So it was a natural evolution to tap into the area’s local interior design talent for an April fundraiser. Eleven local designers rose to the occasion, donating chairs they’d refurbished with fabric donated by Robert Allen Design Group (the company’s CEO, Phil Kowalczyk, lives in Raleigh and serves on the Green Chair board) for a live auction. Each designer brought his or her unique style to the task, resulting in an assortment of seats to please any sensibility. Walter asked each one to tell us how they came up with their creations and what motivates them to give back, providing a window into who they are and what makes them tick.

MA Allen Interiors – MA Allen

Design philosophy

Balance is my key. I aim to create balance between aesthetics and function, between old and new, and between varying styles. I plant some element of surprise in each space, from a combination of styles or colors and patterns.

Chair description

I have been hoarding this green vintage Ming armchair for a few years now. The seat cushion is covered in Robert Allen Windsor Park Palm with an unexpected pop of color with the contrast welt in their Coral Reef Brushed Linen.

What motivates you to give back?

When we work with clients who have so much, it’s easy to lose sight of how many have so little. Working with a group like The Green Chair Project is grounding.

Design by Tula – Tula Summerford

Design philosophy

Your home should be a reflection of your personality, unique and multi-dimensional. The objects in your home should tell a story of where you have been and where you are going.

By giving back, I can show my appreciation and commitment to our community. I have been fortunate to realize many life and career goals as a result of living in such a wonderful community, and feel a responsibility to help others who have not had the same opportunities.

La Maison, Inc. – Martha Schneider

Design philosophy

Sophisticated comfort with a touch of glam and attention to detail.

Chair description

This is a chair that fits everywhere. It is dressed in a crisp, white velvet as a neutral palette with a little touch of glam using antique silver nailheads. The pillow is my favorite design color of aqua in an artful, rich velvet cut pattern.

What motivates you to give back?

Personally, there are so many reasons for me to give back. When I see what The Green Chair Project can give to those who need the basic comforts of home, I want to do more.

Furbish Studio – Jamie Meares

Design philosophy

More is more, old is better than new, and a home should always tell the story of the person who lives in it.

Chair description

This sweet loveseat is extra-pretty newly upholstered in a pink floral, and I love how the soft, gray background keeps it from feeling too girly. I would use it at the end of a bed.

What motivates you to give back?

I’ve had so much support from the community starting my business – I’m glad to be able to help people who helped me so much when I needed it.

Furnishing Solutions – Marian Harrison

Design philosophy

A home should be designed for one’s self, not for others. The colors and design should reflect the personality of the people that live inside.

Chair description

My traditional, dark wood chairs were high-gloss lacquered in classic white for a fresh, crisp feel. Colors of coral, green, and gray, along with mixing oversized florals and patterns, create a whimsical feel.

What motivates you to give back?

Everyone takes pride in where they live. I have had firsthand experience with some of the families on the receiving end of The Green Chair. The joy on their faces is amazing, and that is what really makes me the happiest.

Lindsay Speace Interior – Design, Lindsay Speace

Design philosophy

Homes should be lived in and loved. The most beautiful spaces highlight the personality of their owners rather than having the distinct mark of a decorator. Good design doesn’t have to be terribly serious. It can be playful and still classic.

Chair description

A classic wingback chair modernized with a cotton linen ikat fabric in shades of indigo and a contrasting tribal pattern for the pillow trimmed with navy leather welt.

What motivates you to give back?

Working in an industry fueled by “wants,” I find it especially important to find ways to give back to those who may be struggling to fulfill basic needs.

Susan Tollefsen Interiors – Susan Tollesfsen

Design philosophy

Surround yourself with things you love … even if they would scare your grandmother!

Chair description

I chose to do a pair of club chairs in a simple, neutral geometric. My thought was that the pair would be easy to place in any decor and a pair of chairs may get a higher bid and hopefully make more money for The Green Chair Project. I have done fun and wild chairs for the past two years. I thought I would appeal to the masses this time around.

What motivates you to give back?

In a nutshell, it brings me great happiness to give. Just knowing that someone is having a less stressful life makes me feel good.

MWeaver Designs – Margaret Weaver

Design philosophy

Because each client and each set of challenges is unique, my design solutions must be unique, as well. I want my clients to enjoy the spaces they live and work in. I work toward creating an environment for them that is not only comfortable but also highly functional and beautiful at the same time.

Chair description

A low-slung version of a 19th century library barrel-back chair. The size fits easily into modern interiors with a comfy cushioned seat with coordinating pillow.

What motivates you to give back?

Once you’ve seen the joy that fresh design can give to people, you want more people to have that feeling. I love the idea of giving back to the community in a way that is fun and creative.

We contributed two counter stools upholstered in a Robert Allen chinoiserie fabric in tones of citron and raspberry. We added an additional punch of color on the buttons and welt.

What motivates you to give back?

We believe that everyone deserves great design.

The Gilded Acorn – Mary Nell Thompson

Design philosophy

I encourage my clients to buy traditional furniture, and then we update it with accessories and fabrications. I prefer antiques, but a good quality reproduction will work, too. Every room needs a variety for depth and interest.

Chair description

I purchased this chair from The Green Chair at one of its sales. I would call it mid-century French. It is covered in Robert Allen Tranquil Flower in the color Water. It’s fun but classic.

What motivates you to give back?

God has given each one of us a gift, and when we can find a way to channel that gift into improving the lives of others, then we have fulfilled our purpose.

Roberta Frank Designs – Roberta Frank

Design philosophy

My design philosophy is to apply creative solutions for each client’s lifestyle, striking the perfect balance between form, function, and elegance; to design expressing the client’s spirit and vision, while completing jobs on time and within budget.

Chair description

European vintage luxury, with a bit of Hollywood glam. The legs were refinished. Multiple Robert Allen fabrics were selected, without going overboard.

What motivates you to give back?

All that has been given to me. It’s not just myself, but my team Kristen Mayer, Ryan Frank, and Jay Tucker also contributed. Fabric and finishes were a group effort.